FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi's Teammate Hits Back At Mbappe, Says 'He Doesn't Know Enough Football'

Kylian Mbappe, France's star striker, took a swipe at the lesser playing skills of South American nations a few months ago, claiming that European sides had the upper hand due to the UEFA Nations League level.

Lionel Messi & Mbappe.

Source : Jewel SAMAD, Odd ANDERSEN / AFP

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is finally coming to an end, with the big final taking place tonight at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar between Argentina and France. Both teams' players have already begun shooting at each other before the game has even begun.

Kylian Mbappe, France's star striker, took a swipe at the lesser playing skills of South American nations a few months ago, claiming that European sides had the upper hand due to the UEFA Nations League level.

"The advantage we have in Europe is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the Nations League, for example," Mbappe had said.

"When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready, where Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Football is not as advanced as in Europe. That’s why at the last World Cups, it’s always the Europeans who win," he added.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, notorious for his aggressive media outbursts, has now replied to Mbappe, claiming that he does not know enough about football.

 "He doesn’t know enough about football. He never played in South America. When you don’t have this experience, it may be better not to talk about it. But it doesn’t matter. We are a great team, recognised as such," Martinez said in a press conference on the eve of the final against Argentina.

Argentina's experience in the FIFA World Cup has been eventful thus far. They overcame previous year's runners-up Croatia in the semi-finals, while France defeated Morocco in the tournament's final four. Lionel Messi is facing an emotional moment as he prepares to play his final game in the FIFA World Cup. With 5 goals, he and Mbappe are tied for first place in the tournament's Golden Boot competition.